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The Trump administration is rapidly taking action during the government shutdown, leveraging opportunities presented by compliant courts, ethically flexible corporations, and generous foreign governments.
Vought’s Actions During the Shutdown
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought has been highly active during this period. He used the shutdown to announce the closure of multiple infrastructure projects in New York, and just yesterday he warned GOP congresspeople of impending mass layoffs of federal employees “in a day or two.” He also indicated that funding for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food assistance program would soon run out.
Vought is using the shutdown as a news hook to highlight his ongoing activities, which have received early support from figures like Elon Musk. According to The New York Times:
Prior to the government shutdown, many agencies released contingency plans detailing which programs would be suspended and the number of employees who would be furloughed until the resolution. These documents reveal how extensively President Trump has reduced the federal workforce through firings, layoffs, and incentivized resignations.
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner) October 1, 2025
The Courts’ Role in Trump’s Agenda
The courts have played a significant role in supporting Trump’s actions during his second term. The President has recently been celebrated by Republican National Lawyers Association President for being “the most successful president in the courts in generations.”
President Trump is experiencing a remarkable winning streak in the courts. While the media may focus on setbacks from individual judges, the truth is that Trump often prevails on the broadest points of law. The judicial appointments he made reflect a commitment to originalist and textualist interpretations of the Constitution rather than ideology-driven judgments.
Trump’s influence on the judiciary continues to yield victories, with significant rulings such as the Supreme Court returning regulation of abortion to the states (Dobbs 2022) and rejecting racial preferences in college admissions (Students for Fair Admissions 2023).
Conversely, not all judicial actions are favorable to Trump. U.S. District Judge William Young, a Reagan appointee, criticized Trump’s efforts to deport pro-Palestinian academics in a “scathing 161-page opinion” that is resonating in mainstream media. Although the ruling did not mandate immediate changes to administration policies, it raised important First Amendment issues regarding the administration’s practices.
The Indictment of James Comey
The indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, a figure central to the RussiaGate investigation, has sparked considerable outrage. A glimpse at the reaction showcases the complexity of his situation:
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner) October 1, 2025
In a recent Instagram post, Comey expressed his innocence and called for a trial to prove it, also urging engagement from the public to secure their freedoms:
James Comey: My heart is broken for the Department of Justice. I am innocent, so let’s have a trial, and keep the faith.
Trump’s Higher Education Crusade
In other developments, Trump recently announced a settlement with Harvard University, signaling yet another victory in his campaign against higher education institutions. During a press event, he indicated that Harvard would be required to operate “a series of trade schools” as part of the agreement.
The Trump administration has pursued various actions against Harvard University over alleged discrimination and diversity initiatives, culminating in a deal that includes a $500 million fine.
Former Staffers Making Gains
Team Trump members continue to find lucrative opportunities. Brad Parscale, Trump’s former campaign manager, has registered as a foreign agent for Israel, with a contract worth $6 million aimed at combating antisemitism through digital campaigns:
Parscale’s company is tasked with creating engaging pro-Israel content tailored to Gen Z, utilizing platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Meanwhile, Jared Kushner has made headlines with his involvement in a $55 billion deal to take Electronic Arts private, a collaboration backed by Saudi Arabian investments.
This evolving landscape of political maneuverings and judicial dynamics denotes the ongoing complexities of the current administration’s strategies. As the Trump administration leverages both legal victories and strategic partnerships, the implications for American governance and societal dynamics remain profound.
Conclusion
The pace of change and the intricate web of decisions being made in the Trump administration continue to draw attention. With the administration tackling a myriad of challenges—from court cases to educational reforms—these developments raise critical questions about the future of governance in the United States. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the long-term effects of these ongoing actions.
